Zoladex

Special warnings about Zoladex

Zoladex therapy can weaken the bones and cause bone pain. In men under treatment for prostate cancer, it has been known to cause osteoporosis and fractures. If you are a heavy drinker, smoke a lot, have family members with brittle bones, or take anticonvulsant drugs (such as Dilantin) or steroids (such as prednisone), make sure your doctor is aware of the situation.

Men with a blockage in the tube from the kidney to the bladder (the ureter) or a case of spinal cord compression should get treatment for these conditions before beginning Zoladex therapy.

Severe allergic reactions, including hives and swelling of the lips and throat, have been reported with drugs similar to Zoladex. If these symptoms occur, call your doctor immediately.

When given with sex hormones, Zoladex may lead to overstimulation of the ovaries. It has also been known to cause ovarian cysts.

Women should remember that even though Zoladex stops menstruation, it is possible to become pregnant if you miss a dose. Since Zoladex could harm the developing baby, it's important to observe strict contraceptive precautions throughout Zoladex therapy.

If you are taking Zoladex to relieve endometriosis, your doctor may recommend hormone-replacement therapy to limit the effects of the reduced estrogen levels that result from Zoladex therapy.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zoladex

No interactions have been reported.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Zoladex can harm developing babies and newborn infants. It must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage

Typically, the doctor will implant a dose of 3.6 milligrams every 4 weeks. Treatment for endometriosis lasts no longer than 6 months. Cancer therapy generally continues for a longer term.

For prostate cancer, the doctor can administer a longer lasting implant of 10.8 milligrams every 12 weeks. When the drug is given with Flutamide, the treatment is one 3.6-millgram implant followed by one 10.8-milligram implant 4 weeks later.

If the drug is being used in preparation for endometrial surgery, you'll receive 1 or 2 implants before the operation.

Overdosage

An overdose of Zoladex is highly unlikely, and if one were to occur, it would not cause any harm.